The Six Hottest Emerging Neighborhoods In the World's Greatest Cities: New West Loop, Chicago

This once-gritty neighborhood west of the Kennedy Expressway is now a hot destination for foodies and social-media types in Chuck Taylors.

WHERE TO EAT
Former Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat earns raves for its local brews and braised beef tongue. This spring, Izard's opening a retro diner next door. But the hottest ticket is still Grant Achatz's new venture, Next. There's a set menu, 62 seats, and no reservations—you buy a time-stamped ticket to eat.

WHERE TO DRINK
Geek out on Belgian beers (including a house-blended lambic doux served in a handmade clay pitcher) at the Euro-style brasserie the Publican.

WHERE TO SHOPFix stocks hard-to-find unisex brands like Rag & Bone and Aether, while limited-edition graphic tees are available every Friday at the crowd-sourced T-shirt store Threadless.

WHERE TO STAY
Across the highway from West Loop, the Sax Chicago Hotel offers slick design and a sexy crowd in the lobby.